Gas-lift pumping apparatus



Oct. 9, 1928.-

M. T. ARCHER GAS LIFT PUMPING APPARATUS Original Filed June 15,"1927 m 8 I /4 7/ /r/ a I.. 2

Vr| Dov ,a l/,m a il., j 2J M l 89 Oct. 9, 1928.

M. T. ARCHER GAs LIFT PUMPING APPARATUS Original Filed June 13, 1927 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN V EN TOR.

Il ff Patented Oct. v9, 1928.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

MERTON T. ARCHER, OF PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR TO THE NATIONAL SUPPLY COMPANY, OF TOLEDO,

OHIO, A CORPORATION OF OHIO.

GAS-LIFT PUMPING APPARATUS.

`My invention relates to apparatus for lifting fluid, such as oil, by the use of a gas under pressure. A It is one object of this invention to effect and control the production of oil from wells by introducing into the wells gas under pressure, and controlling the same automatically by means of suitable valves, the said gas in addition to the natural gas carried in suspension in the oil act-ing to raise the oil to the surface. Other objects pertain to the valves and the means by which they are operated. -0

Referring to the accompanying drawing, Fig. 1 shows partly in elevation and partly in central vertical section a well casing and. tubing provided with my invention; Fig. 2, an enlarged central vertical section through one of the automatic valves and adjacent parts, the

A valve being open; Fig. 3, a view like Fig. 2

but showing the valve closed; Fig. 4, .a fragment of the spring 20, showing the section of a turn thereof when the spring is in its free poi sition and not under either internal or external pressure; Fig. 5, a fragment like Fig. 4, but showing the section'of a turn when internal pressure is applied, and free from external pressure; Fig. 6, a fragment like Fig. 4 showing a spring of modified construction; Fig. a view partly in side elevation and partly in central vertical''section, showing a modification of the construction shown in Figs. 1, 2

. and 3; and Fig. 8,.a central vertical section on the line VII-VII on Fig. 7.

On the drawing I1 designates a well-casing having the casing-liead 2 screwed thereon. 3 is a length of well-tubing extending down through the casing-head and into the casing. As shown, it is supported by the coupling 4 which rest on the gland 5 of the stufling box 6 which is carried by the casing head and sur-l rounds the tubing-length 3.

On the lower end of the length 3 is screwed a special well-tubing length or fixed valve member 7 having the downwardly-facing shoulder 8, below which the diameter o f the length 7 is reduced, preferably to the diameter of the well tubing 3.

A tubular or sleeve valve 9 slideson the length 7 below the shoulder 8 and has an annular series of ports 10 which register with the annular series of ports 11 in the length 7 when the valve is at its lowest position or limit. This limit is determined by the positionl of the upper end of rthe thin walled sleeve 12,

on which end the lower end of the valve 9 rests when at its lower limit. The valve 9 is limited in its upper or closing movement by the engagement of its upper end with the shoulder 8. At this upper limit of the valve the ports 10 are above the ports 11, so that Huid can not pass between the casing and the tubing.

The sleeve 12 has at its lower end the collar 13 which may be integral therewith. A helivcal hollow Bourdon spring 14 made preferably from resilient material, such as tempered steel or hard drawn brass surrounds the sleeve 12 and is seated on the upper face of this co1- lar and is fastened thereto in any suitable manner, as by soldering or welding indicated by the letter a. The upper end of the spring 14 is secured to the lower end of the valve 9 by any suitable means, as by soldering or welding as shown at Zi. The lower end of the collar 13 has an internal annular recess in which and in an annular recess in the tubing length 7 is seated the ring 21. A retaining ring 22 for the ring 21 is screwed onthe collar 13 and has a flange 23 lying beneath the ring 22. The valve 9 has a pin 24 extending into a slot 25 in the tubing length 7 to prevent the valve from turning. As the valve is moved up and down by the spring, the latter will tend to rotate the sleeve 12 on the ring 22 and thereby relieve the torsion on the s ring.

In the preferred form of this invention, the hollow in the spring is -filled with gas to a redetermined pressure and hermetically sea ed. The cross-section of the turns of the spring is oval or elliptical before the compressed gas is introduced, as shown in Fig. 4. Increase of ,pressure within the tube tends to make the cross-section of the turns round and to lengthen the spring according to the principles 0f lthe Bourdon gage. The length of the spring is such that, previous to theiiitroduction ofl pressure, its length is somewhat shorter than shown in Fig. 2, but when subjected to internal pressure its length is somewhat longer than that shown in Fig. 3, where the valve 9 is shown closed. f To the lower end of the tubing length 7 is connected a coupling'l which suspends a number of tubing lengths 'designated by the numeral 16. To the lower of these lengths connects another special tubing lengt-h 7 a provided with' the valve 9a with `ports 10", the spring 14a and the sleeve 12*l having. the collar 13a, which are duplicates of the described Y parts having the same reference numerals without the letter a. The valve 9a may be any suitable distance below the valve 9, and in some cases several hundred feet.

To the tubing-length 7, I may attach the coupling 15 which suspends other lengths of tubing 16a, the lowest of the latter having attached thereto the special tubing length 7b bearing the valve 9b with ports 10, the sleeve 12b with its collar 13", and the sprin 14". The parts designated by numerals wit the letter b are duplicates of the described parts without any letter or with the letter a. Ifthe well is deep'enough, the length 7b may carry the coupling l5b which suspends the usual perforated inlet pipe or other lengths of tubing 16, (only one shown) and still lower valve mechanism like those already described.

The valves of each unit composed of a special tubing length, a valve, a Bourdon spring, a sleeve enclosed by the spring, and a collar on which the spring rests, will all be in closed position prior to their assembly to form a string with the ordinary tubing lengths. When the string is introduced into the fluid (assumed for thepresentfto be oil) in the well casing 1 before compressed gas has been introduced into the said casing above the oil, the external pressure on the springs increase due to the increasing static head of the oil. The pressure of the head of oil on the springs, as t-he string descends, increases and tends to balance. the fluid pressure in the springs, causing the turns of the springs to return toward their natural oval shape, whereby the springs become more and more shortened. When the external pressure on the springs equals the internal pressure therein, the springs will return to their original or natural shape and length.

As shown in Fi 1 the valves are placed at predetermined istances along the/string. Some of the valves in top part of the string will be closed. As the valves are submerged i more and more some may reach a' condition where they are opened, while all 4those below will be open. c

Assuming now that the static oil level is above the valve 9, gas under pressure is admitted through the pipe 17 into casing head 2 and the space between the casing l and the well tubing and above the oil level. The gas forces the oil in the annular space between the casing and tubing downwardly and out through the registering ports 10 and 1l of the topmost open valves and thence up the well tubing. There will be some closed valves near the top of the column of oil. As the oil is forced'downwardly a head is built up in the well tubing. The pressure increases due tothis starting head and some more of the upper valves may open, but as the spring y,

characteristics have been properly selected a suiiicent head will be built up in the discharging column to insure efficient operation when the oil in the descending column uncovers the highest open valve and the gas passes into the discharge column. d

When the oil level reaches the open ports 10 and 11, the gas passes into the discharge column and expands until some oil has been carried out at the surface. As the discharge continues the pressure falls and that on the spring 14 is thereby reduced. As this eX- ternal pressure lessens, the internal pressure in the flattened turns of the -spring causes the latter to become more and more rounded, until the ,differential bet-Ween `the exterior and the interior of the spring stores up enough force to move the valve to its upper limit or seat with alsnap action, this action being obtained by providing the valve with a number of spring pressed balls 18 seated in depressions 19 in the tubin length 7. The

Y movement of the valve to lts upper seat,.as

shown in Figs. 1 and 3 brings the ports 10 out of registry with the portsll, and shuts olf the gas flow into the discharge column at these ports. c

The gas pressure again builds up between' the casing and tubing, but it is not suliicient to cause the lspring A14 to overcome the locking action of the balls 18 which are now in upper depressions 20. However, this gas pressure 0:1 together withthe static head of oil acting on the sprinor lll:a kee s the next'lower valve 9a open, so that, as t e oil level in the annular space between the casing and tubing and below the valve 9 is lowered,J oil will pass nm through the ports of the valve 9a and up through the tubing. When the gas reaches the level of the open ports of the valve 9a, it passes into thepvalve member 7 and thence up through the well-tubing above and lightens the liquid column whereupon the pressure drops and this valve snaps shut in the same manner and under the same 'conditions' as the valve 9 closed. l f

After the valve 9a closes, the gas pressure 110 forces the oil down to the ports of .the valve 9b, whereupon the same cycle repeats itself. As the oil is being delivered aty the surface of the ground, the pressure continues dropping until the next upper open valve in turn closes when the pressure again builds up and depresses the oil level to the following lower valve. This. process continues until the increased depthv introduces conditions such as increased friction where a 120 balance is reached between incoming gas and outgoing OiLdischarge, the discharge head'remaining relativgly constant thereafter, if noc other conditions are changed. When discharge ceases, the well can be .shut down until the oil level rises again, lwhen the cycle of steps recited can be repeated.

In case the external pressure on the springs yshown maybe so great as to collapse their Referring now to Fig. 7, I show a modified n construction of valve unit or assembly, which may be used in place of those shown in Fig. 1. The well tubing 28 has connected to its lower end by the coupling 29 the special tubular fixed valve member or tubing length 30, having the-annular 'series of ports 31. The lowerend of the valve member 30 is screwed into the upper head 32 of a cylinder having the external wall or casing 33 screwed thereon flush with the periphery of the head 32. The lower end of the wall 33 has the lower head 34 fitted 4thereto vHuid tight in any desired way as by shrinking the wall thereon or by welding or both.

The heads have vertical threaded openings inwhich the ends of the pipe or tubing length 35 are screwed, the latter being in axial alinement with the member 30. The heads 32 and 34 and the vconcentric tubular members 33 and 35 form a fluid-tight annular chamber 36.

The sleeve valve member 37 is slidable on the member y30 between the coupling 29 and the head 32 and has the ports 38vwhich register with the ports 31 when the member 37 is at its upper limit against the coupling 29, and which are below the ports 31vwhen the member 37 is at its lower limit.

The member 37 has connected thereto the upper end of rods 39 which extend down Y through the stuliing boxes 40 in the head 32 and have their lower ends secured to the upper ring or collar 41 resting on the antifriction balls42 on the upper face of the lower ring or collar 43. The hollow helical Bourdon spring 44, having its turns normally or naturally oval or flattened with their shortest axes .parallel/,with the axis of the members 33 andc 35, is seated between the collar 43 and the head 34. The upper end v of the spring is tightly closed and soldered Ato the collar 43, while its lowerl end is left open and projects through thehead 34 to which it is secured, as by soldering.y

The head 32 is provided with a relief vor check valve 45 which seats downwardly to prevent Huid from entering the chamber 36.

more nearly round, and consequently to make the spring longer, which tends to open the valve.

Before a string of tubing containing a series of the valves is lowered into a well, the valves are all in closed positions. After the string has been lowered into pumping position in a well, the static pressure in some o the lower springs will cause their turns to become suiiciently rounded to cause the springs to lengthen enough to open the valves they control. Some of the valves near the top of the oil column will probably remain closed. However, as. the oil level is forced p down, the pressure within the springs controlling the closed valves will be increased and will tend to cause the valves to open.

When the oil level reaches these open ports,

gas passes through them and into thefascending column of oil,v as described in connection with Figs. 1 and 2. The consequent reduction of, pressure on the oil in the annulus relieves the pressure in the spring of the topmost valve to such an extent that the spring contracts, permitting the sleeve valve member 37 to drop and close the ports 31. After the valve closes the gas pressure forces the oil level in the annulus downwardly and the lower valves are operated in the same manner as already explained.

The antifriction device comprising the rings 41 and 43 and the balls 42 allows the ring 43to rotate freely to relieve the torsional strains on the spring 44 as it lengthens and shortens. l

^ The tension ofthe gas in the chamber 36 will be such as to provide a suitable differential of pressure between the s ace in the chamber and in the interior o the spring associated therewith, to allow the turns to become sufficiently roundedy for the purpose explained above.

In case the outer fluid under pressure in the annulus should leak through any of the several joints into the chamber 36 and create a pressure in the latter'which interferes with the operation of the spring in that chamber, the check valve 45 would be opened .by the pressure in the chamber and the ressure therein be reduced when pressure in the annulus lowers to a point below the internal pressure in space 36.

By the use of valves at different levels in a well the initial head against which the applied pressure operates is greatly reduced, the pressure required to lower the oil from the first to the second valve,-and from the latter to the next. and so on, is substantially7 the ysame as required to lower the oil to the first valve through the same distances as obtained between successive lower valves.

I have described the invention as operated -by pressure applied to the annular fluid column within the casing 1, but the gas pressure may be applied on the oil column in the well msV lot

tubing, the oil being discharged up through 2. In a gas-lift liquid pump, two vertical4 conduits, a 'valve forcontrolling the passage of liuid from one conduit into the other, and a hollow resilient pressure member exerting force on thewalve tending to close thevalve when external pressure on the spring reaches a predetermined minimum and to open the valve when external pressure on vthe spring'v reaches a predetermined maximum, the

' s ring before inflation yhaving its turns attened-parallel with its axis.

3. In a gas-lift liquid pump, two vertical conduits, a valve forcontrolling the passage of fluid from one conduit into the other, and

a hollow helical resilient spring for the valve, the spring having one end ifxed and the other i end secured to the valve, and the spring exerting force tending to close the valve when external pressure on the spring reaches a predetermined minimum and to open the valve when external pressure ori the sping reaches a predetermined maximum.

4. In a gas-lift pump, a well-casing, a well-14 tubing therein having ports, a sleeve-valve having portsA adapted to register with the ports in the tubing, and a Bourdon spring concentric with the tubing and exerting force on the valve tending to close theJ valve when external pressure on the spring reaches a predetermined minimum and to open the valve when external pressure on the spring reaches a predetermined maximum.

5. In a gas-lift pump, aI well-casing, a welli tubing therein having ports, a sleeve-valve having ports adapted to register with the ports in the tubing, and a Bourdon spring concentric with the tubing and exerting force on the valve tending to close the valve when external pressure on the spring reaches a. predetermined minimumand to open the valve when external pressure on the spring reaches a predetermined maximum, the spring having its turns before inflation flattened parallel with its axis.

l 6. In a gas-lift pump, a well-casing, a well tubing therein havin ports, a sleeve-valve having ports adapte to? register with the ports 1n the tubing, and a hollow helical resilientfspring for the valve, and a compressed gas hermetically sealed therein, the spring having one end fixed and the other end secured to the valve, and the spring exerting force tendlng -to close the valve when lexternal pressure on mined minimum and to open the valve whenv external pressure on the spring reaches a predetermined maximum, and a sleeve Vbetween the spring and the tubing, its upper end being a lower stop for the valve and its lower end a support for the spring.

8. In a gas-lift liquid pump, two vertical conduits, a valve for controlling the passage of fluid from one conduit into the other, and a Bourdon spring exerting force on the valve to close the valve when a predetermined differential of pressure between the interior and the exterior of the spring is reached.v

9. In a gas-lift liquid pump, two vertical conduits, a valve for controlling the passage of fluid from one conduit into the other, and a Bourdon spring exertingforce on the valve tending to close the valvewhen a predetermined dierential of pressure between the interior and the exterior of the spring is reached, the spring before inflation having its turns flattened parallel with its axis.

10. In a gas lift pump, an inlet conduit, an

outlet conduit, a valve for controlling the pas? sage of fluid from one vconduit into the other, a Bourdon spring exerting force on the valve to close it when a predetermined dierential of ,pressure is reached between thepinterior f and the exterior of the spring.

11. In a gas-lift liquid pump, two vertical conduits, va valve for controlling the passage of iuid from one conduit into the other, and a hollow resilient pressure member for the valve, the member having one end `lixed and the other end secured to the valve, and the member exerting force tending tol close the valve when external pressure on the member reaches a predetermined minimum and to open the valve when `external pressure on tire member reaches a predetermined maximum.

12. In a gas-liftrliquid pump,ltwo vertical conduits, a valve for controlling the passage of fiuid from one conduit into the other, and

a hollow resilient pressure member exerting force on the valve to close the valve when a predetermined differential of pressure between the interior and the exterior ofthe member is reached.

13. In a gas-lift liquid pump, two vertical conduits, a valve for controlling the passage of fluid from one conduit into the other, and

a hollow resilient pressure member exerting ahollow resilient member exerting force on force on the valve tending to close the valve the valve to close it when a predetermined 10 when a predetermined differential of pressure diferential of pressure is reached between between the interior and the exterior of the the interior and the exterior of the member.

member is reached. In testimony whereof, I hereunto a-x my 14. In a gas lift pump, an inlet conduit, an signature.

outlet conduit, avalve for controlling the passage of Huid from one conduit into the other, MER-TON T. ARCHER. 

